12.28.2015

A Belgian Break 3: Zolder WC

What a sun in Zolder today! And what a race! We left Namur at dawn and took a train to Leuven where we dropped our backpacks and we ran to catch the train to Zolder. From the rail station to the race circuit is a long way, we started walking but fortunately we found a lift.

At 3 pm we where at the barrier and the elite men race was on. Unfortunately we missed the previous ones. Among the U23 Men Eli Iserbyt crashed out when he was very well placed and the victory went to Joris Nieuwenhuis. Among the Elite Women Sanne Cant won.

A cyclocross live is always great but today it was simply amazing because of the glorious weather and the fact that almost immediately Lars van der Haar was in front and leading.

Since two laps to go it looked like a Dutch duel between van der Haar and van der Poel, with Pauwels as 3rd. Then Lars punctured, Pauwels passed him and he was 3rd on the finish line.

I went to his camper, Lucy Garner was already there while Lars arrived after the podium cerimony: he looked good, calm and content. Resigned? I hope no.

Kind like always he came to pose for pictures with fans, children expecially. I said hi and gave me back a big smile.

Then, a long way back to Leuven: by bus to Hasselt and from there by train. A perfect dinner in the center of Leuven crowned a perfect day. Only regret, Angus Edmond didn't start, he isn't feeling good. But I hope he's fine tomorrow and we'll meet in Diegem.

PS

I have many pictures and stories in store for when I will be at home, that's just an appetiser!

Mathieu van der Poel:

“It was really hard to make a difference. It was just before the hardest part of the course with the running section and the uphill I saw that Lars had a flat tyre. I thought that it was the right moment to make the move because I had the feeling that Lars was the strongest, a bit stronger than me this day [sic]. It’s a race that really suits him

I knew Pauwels rode his own pace. What I predicted ahead of the race came true, that Kevin and Lars would be my biggest rivals on this course. I felt good but not super. I knew it would be hard in the final lap because Kevin was pushing on. I had to dig deep again. I’m really confident now. The conditions can be very different in seven weeks. There can be snow as well. I’m more confident now than if I would be tenth."

Van der Poel wins on Pauwels and van der Haar

Lars van der Haar:

"Good day in Zolder! Happy about my race. To bad of the late puncture :( Might have cost me the victory here. Though glad @mathieuvdpoel won."